Princecraft Cadet 2006 vs Princecraft Platinum SP 186 AE 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Princecraft Cadet 2006 or the Princecraft Platinum SP 186 AE 2004?

For trailering, the Princecraft Cadet 2006 has the edge at 588 lbs dry weight versus 1 399 lbs for the Princecraft Platinum SP 186 AE 2004. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Princecraft Platinum SP 186 AE 2004 is rated to a maximum of 175 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Princecraft Cadet 2006 tops out at 25 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Princecraft Cadet 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Princecraft Platinum SP 186 AE 2004 is certified for 8. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Princecraft Platinum SP 186 AE 2004 measures 94" wide, compared to 72" for the Princecraft Cadet 2006. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Q: Are the Princecraft Cadet 2006 and Princecraft Platinum SP 186 AE 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Princecraft Cadet 2006 and the Princecraft Platinum SP 186 AE 2004 are built by Princecraft. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

Princecraft Cadet 2006 vs Princecraft Platinum SP 186 AE 2004

Princecraft

Princecraft Cadet 2006

2006

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Princecraft

Princecraft Platinum SP 186 AE 2004

2004

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Princecraft Cadet 2006 vs Princecraft Platinum SP 186 AE 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Princecraft Cadet 2006 vs Princecraft Platinum SP 186 AE 2004 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 175 hp, the Princecraft Platinum SP 186 AE 2004 has a 150-hp advantage over the Princecraft Cadet 2006's 25-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Princecraft Platinum SP 186 AE 2004 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Princecraft Cadet 2006 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Princecraft Platinum SP 186 AE 2004 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Princecraft Platinum SP 186 AE 2004 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Princecraft Cadet 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakePrincecraft

ModelCadet

ModelPlatinum SP 186 AE

Model Year2006

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam6 ft. 0 in. (1.8 m)

Beam94 in

Beam - Meters1.83

Beam - Meters2.39

Beam - Inches72

Beam - Inches94

Weight - Detail588 lbs. (267 kg)

Weight - Detail1399 lbs

Weight - kg266.71

Weight - kg634.58

Weight - lbs.588

Weight - lbs.1399

Length [deck]16 ft. 0 in. (4.8 m)

Length [deck]not available

Length - Meters4.9

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet16

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Inches4

Length - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail16 ft. 4 in. (4.9 m)

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 4 in

Length overall - Meters4.98

Length overall - Meters5.59

Length overall - Inches196

Length overall - Inches22

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Detail31 in

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.79

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Draft [max] - Inches31

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Detail43 in

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Meters1.09

Height - Inchesnot available

Height - Inches43

Height [transom]not available

Height [transom]20 in

Pontoon and Inflatable Specific

Tube diameter21 in. (0.53 m)

Tube diameternot available

Tube gauge.072 in. (1.8 mm)

Tube gaugenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - DetailPortable w/ hose and bulb

Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Litersw

Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Drive typenot available

Engine max25 hp (19 kw)

Engine max175 HP

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal6

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,210 lbs. (549 kg)

Maximum capacity1755 lbs

Maximum people6

Maximum people8 Persons

Princecraft Cadet 2006 vs Princecraft Platinum SP 186 AE 2004 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Princecraft Cadet 2006 or the Princecraft Platinum SP 186 AE 2004?

For trailering, the Princecraft Cadet 2006 has the edge at 588 lbs dry weight versus 1 399 lbs for the Princecraft Platinum SP 186 AE 2004. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Princecraft Platinum SP 186 AE 2004 is rated to a maximum of 175 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Princecraft Cadet 2006 tops out at 25 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Princecraft Cadet 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Princecraft Platinum SP 186 AE 2004 is certified for 8. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Princecraft Platinum SP 186 AE 2004 measures 94" wide, compared to 72" for the Princecraft Cadet 2006. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Are the Princecraft Cadet 2006 and Princecraft Platinum SP 186 AE 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Princecraft Cadet 2006 and the Princecraft Platinum SP 186 AE 2004 are built by Princecraft. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← Princecraft Cadet 2006 full specs ← Princecraft Platinum SP 186 AE 2004 full specs